Authenticity and Early Music

A Symposium

Edited by Nicholas Kenyon

Examining and questioning the prevailing basis for the so-called "authenticity" movement, this collection of papers deals with the conflict between approaching early music performance with respect for the composer's original intentions, and the shortcomings, according to many musicians, that this produces.

Authenticity and Early Music

A Symposium

Edited by Nicholas Kenyon

Description

Nothing has more profoundly influenced the development of music making over the last two decades than the growth of the historical performance movement. Perceived by some as a threat, an indication of our loss of faith in our powers of musical creation, and by others as part of the evolution of modern attitudes towards performing styles, this trend towards "historically correct" interpretation has inspired lively debate among scholars and performers. Examining and questioning the prevailing basis for the so-called "authenticity" movement, this collection of papers deals with the conflict between approaching early music performance with respect for the composer's original intentions, and the shortcomings, according to many musicians, that this produces. The
contributors include Gary Tomlinson, Will Crutchfield, Howard Mayer Brown, Robert Morgan, Philip Brett, and Richard Taruskin.

Authenticity and Early Music

A Symposium

Edited by Nicholas Kenyon

Reviews and Awards

Named an Outstanding Academic Book of 1989-1990 by Choice

"Authenticity and Early Music, skillfully putt together and edited by Nicholas Kenyon, confronts some of the issues raised by Early Music and glances at others All of the contributions are intelligent and stimulating."--Charles Rosen, New York Review of Books

"Together the essays represent the most penetrating and substantial consideration thus far of the early music movement."--American Music Teacher

"I recommend [Authenticy and Early Music] to anyone interested in either the theory or practice of early music."--Donal Henahan, The New York Times

"Owing to the broad and thoughtful approach taken by the six authors, this book offers far more than is suggested by its title. It considers music from the Middle Ages to the present, touching on some of the most essential questions of performance and appreciation of music from any age: the levels of meaning in music; composers and their intentions; and the freedom and responsibilities of the performer. Provocative, stimulating, and well written, these essays should make intelligent listeners rethink their criteria for choosing and appreciating performers and performances."--Library Journal

"An important contribution to the literature, a significant addition to a timely debate."--Choice